Anelka gets the message

THERE is only one boss at Manchester City and whatever the whys and wherefores of Nicolas Anelka's absence at St Mary's, Kevin Keegan's decision to sit his record signing in the stand showed he has the big picture sharply in focus.

THERE is only one boss at Manchester City and whatever the ins and outs and the whys and wherefores of Nicolas Anelka's absence at St Mary's on Saturday, Kevin Keegan's decision to sit his record signing in the stand showed he has the big picture sharply in focus.

Well though the French superstar has performed this season, the Blues are not a one-man team totally reliant on his sublime scoring skills.

If you are not fit to join in training during the week then you are not fit to play on a Saturday and Anelka, the Premiership's top marksman, now knows that.

It is something other players such as Steve McManaman and Trevor Sinclair have also discovered this term.

Keegan will not place possible short-term gain before the welfare of the whole team.

Pragmatism and principles have a big part to play in the City chief's managerial style and long may it last.

Anelka thought he was fit to play at St Mary's. The manager didn't and that is the end of the story as far as the pair are concerned.

Calf complaint

If the 24-year-old French international, who has been at great pains to say how happy he is at City all season, proves his fitness he will be back in the side to face Groclin in the UEFA Cup on Thursday night. If he doesn't then he will not.

"Nicolas had a slight calf injury and he wanted to play but sometimes I have to protect him against himself," said Keegan. I did the same with Steve McManaman at Chelsea last week when he said he desperately wanted to play.

"He came to see me and I said no. We cannot afford to risk losing players for four, five or six weeks with all the games we have coming up.

"We have shown that we are one of the sides who can, if we maintain our best standards, break into the big club league.

"We are one of the teams that can do that so we need everyone fit.

"Why risk players? I have a duty to protect every player, not just Nicolas. I did it with Paulo Wanchope and Trevor Sinclair when I thought they weren't fit and could do themselves damage.

"They weren't happy being left out but I have to look a the bigger picture because that's my job.

"All players want to play all the time but they have to leave it with me to try and get those things right and hopeful I have done that.

"It is the first time Anelka has ever missed a game for us. There has been no row and no bust up.